Schumer wants direct flights

Lawmaker calls on two airlines to connect Albany to Houston, Denver

Updated 10:06 pm, Monday, July 9, 2012

COLONIE — U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer is calling on United Airlines CEO Jeff Smisek and Southwest Airlines Chairman and CEO Gary Kelly to introduce so-called "nerd bird" flights connecting Albany International Airport to their hubs in Houston and Denver, arguing that the flights, which would be eligible for more than $1.5 million in cash incentives, would be popular with Albany's technology sector.

"A direct route that connects Albany and the hubs in Houston and Denver would be a win-win-win for the airlines, Albany's booming high-tech industry and Capital Region travelers," Schumer said. "Daily direct routes to these hubs would set Southwest or United miles ahead of the competition in upstate New York as they provide low-cost flights that will connect growing high-tech companies in the Capital Region with their established counterparts in Texas and the West Coast."

He said both carriers "have a unique and recent history of identifying and connecting booming business hubs across the United States," citing Southwest's service between San Jose and Austin and United's between Washington, D.C., and Long Island.

Schumer said a United flight between Albany and Houston, and a Southwest flight between Albany and Denver, "would continue this tradition for innovative, affordable service for up-and-coming regions" and demonstrate "tremendous foresight."

Both Southwest and United serve Albany, with Southwest offering daily nonstops to Baltimore, Orlando, Chicago, Las Vegas, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale, and United offering nonstops to Newark, Washington Dulles, Cleveland and Chicago.

Schumer told both Kelly and Smisek their carriers could become "the go-to airline for America's high-tech industry."